Nothing says summer like eating delicious, ripe watermelon. This watermelon carving is perfect for a summer birthday party or to pair with summer reading activities! Here’s how to cut a watermelon into The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Ingredients
- 5 Mini watermelons
- 1 Honeydew melon
Tools/Supplies
- Green dry erase marker
- Melon baller
- Toothpicks
- Caterpillar cookie cutter (optional)
- Decorative food props (or other food items) from the book
Directions
- Wash the watermelons with cool water and pat dry. Cut a ½-inch slice from the bottom of one watermelon to create a sturdy base. Peel it completely to form an oval or circle of red watermelon flesh for the caterpillar’s face.
- Using the removed rind, cut two eyes, a nose and two antennae (use a dry erase marker to draw them first, if needed). Attach them to the face using toothpicks.
- Cut another watermelon in half from the stem end lengthwise. Half will be the tail of the caterpillar. From the other half, cut a wedge for the caterpillar to “eat” from, reserve this wedge. From the rest of the half, cut ½-inch slices and use a caterpillar cookie cutter to make caterpillars (or cut them free hand).
- For the three remaining watermelons, cut ½” to ¾” from the side of each to create a sturdy base—be sure the stripes run horizontally.
- Use a melon baller to scoop watermelon balls from the insides of the three body sections, the tail and the honeydew melon.
- Arrange all sections to form the caterpillar. Set the reserved wedge (from step 3) in front of the caterpillar face so it looks like it is being eaten. Optional: Set other food items (or props) from the book around the caterpillar carving.
Recipe provided by the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Find more carving inspiration at www.watermelon.org/carvings.
